OUTLINE FOR AN EDUCATIONAL 
EXHIBIT OF FISHES ^ ^ ^ ^ 



From BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES, Volume XXVIII, 1908 



Proceedings of the Fourth Inter^iaHonaV Fishery Congress : : Washington, 1908 




W, 



ASHINGTON :::::: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 



1910 





Book ' '^ ^ 



OUTLINE FOR AN EDUCATIONAL 
EXHIBIT OF FISHES ^ ^ ^ -^ 



From BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES, Volume XXVIII, 1908 



Proceedhigs of the Fourth International Fishery Congress 



Washington , igo8 




i-' »i 



^ 






WASHINGTON :::::: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE :::::: 1910 



'i^ 






BUREAU OF nSHERIES DOCUMENT NO. 722 
Issued May. 1910 









OUTLINE FOR AN EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT OF FISHES 

By Frederic A. Lucas 
Curator in Chief, Museum of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts arid Sciences 

Presented before the Fourth International Fishery Congress 
held at Washington, U. S. A., September 22 to 26, 1908, and 
awarded one-half of the prize of one hundred dollars in gold 
offered by the Museum of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and 
Sciences for the best plan for an educational exhibit of fishes 



1341 



OUTLINE FOR AN EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT OF FISHES. 



By FREDERIC A. LUCAS. 
Curator in Chief, Museum of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences. 



An educational exhibit of fishes is one that will convey to the average visitor 
an idea of the distinctive characters and anatomical structure of this zoological 
group and its larger divisions, and also afford information as to the appearance, 
special modifications, and, so far as possible, habits of typical members of these 
subdivisions. 

First of all should be shown examples of the lancelet, lampreys, ostra- 
cophores, sharks, and one of the bony fishes, to show the various classes of 
vertebrates embraced in the term "fishes." This part of the exhibit should 
include, so far as possible, skeletons of these forms, accompanied by diagrams 
and explanatory labels, to make clear the characters of the various groups 
represented and illustrate the meaning of Acrania, Craniota, and Gnathostomata. 

Then should come specimens showing the resemblances and differences 
between Elasmobranchii and Teleostomi, as well as the peculiarities of their 
skeletal, nervous, circulatory, and digestive systems. These series should pref- 
erably be displayed side by side, and should include not only actual specimens 
but drawings and models, especially in cases where the natural objects are so 
small as not to be readily seen. Here should be shown dissections of the arterial 
and nerv'ous systems, and enlarged, explanatory' models of more important 
details. For example, a dissection would show the relation of the heart to the 
gills and a model the structure and peculiarities of the heart. 

Emphasis should be laid on the more apparent and more important char- 
acters, since as this exhibit is for the general public it should not go too much into 
details or attempt to display and explain characters not readily comprehended; 
such matters are for books and for the student. 

The exhibits just described are intended to serve as a preface or introduction 
to the systematic series of fishes and should stand by themselves in order to be 
the more readily understood. 

The more evident characters of the subclasses and orders are to be shown 
in connection with these divisions or groups in the systematic exhibit; at the 
same time a good-sized chart or diagram illustrating the relations of fishes to 

1343 



1344 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 

other vertebrates and the primary divisions within the class, might well be 
introduced here. 

The systematic series of fishes is to form the principal portion of the col- 
lection and is to include typical examples of the various subclasses and orders. 
It should not be too large and it should as a rule be confined to the more char- 
acteristic forms. The object of this series is to show the main divisions of fishes 
and give the observer an idea of their general appearance. To multiply forms 
and individuals would therefore be confusing and defeat the very object in view. 

In selecting specimens to represent the various groups, preference should be 
given to the more characteristic and better-known species and, so far as possible, 
to species common in the vicinity " where the exhibit is to be displayed. The 
more common the species the more familiar is it to the observer, the more readily 
will he associate it with the fact illustrated, and the more forcibly will that fact 
be impressed upon him. The educational value of a specimen does not depend 
on its rarity but on the clearness with which it shows the fact it is intended to 
illustrate. 

The larger extinct groups should be represented both by their fossil remains 
and by models or pictures, and important or readily obtainable fossil forms 
should be introduced in their proper places among existing species. In no way 
save by the use of fossils can a proper idea be given of the relationships of various 
groups and of their relative importance at the present time and during past 
geologic history. 

As an adjunct to the systematic series there should be groups or pictures 
illustrating important or interesting points in the habits of fishes, such as the 
sargassum fish and stickleback with their "nests," the sunfish and its nest, the 
remora clinging to a shark, etc. 

Small series or assemblages of fishes peculiar to certain localities or habitats 
could be introduced to advantage ; thus a series of deep-sea forms would empha- 
size the peculiarities of the abyssal fauna and the remarkable modifications 
for life at great depths. Examples of deep-sea fishes should also be shown in 
their respective groups to illustrate the facts that the deep-sea fauna has been 
derived from that of the shallower seas and that resemblances that exist between 
them are largely due to adaptations toward one end — life in the depths of the sea. 

One of these "supplementary series" might be devoted to the brilliant 
fishes of tropical waters, attention being called to the contrast they offer to the 
modest colored but important food fishes of temperate regions. In such "sup- 



a For example, a museum located near the Atlantic or Pacific coast should draw for its examples, so 
far as possible, upon the salt water fishes, while an inland museum should select as many examples as 
possible from the lakes and rivers. This naturally would be practicable only to a limited extent, owing 
to the fact that even the most scanty representation of the principal groups of fishes calls for many 
species. 



AN EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT OF FISHES. ^ 1345 

plementary " displays might be illustrated the difference between the sluggish 
bottom-frequenting species, the active pelagic forms, and the highly modified 
species from the abyssal regions of the sea. Here it would be necessary to call 
in the aid of the artist to illustrate the adaptations to environment and show 
how the colors of some fishes blend in with the rocks and waving sea weeds. 

Among the special series, or series illustrating modification for offense and 
defense, for capturing food, or escaping devourers, come phosphorescent and 
electrical fishes. Another of these special series might well be an exhibit of 
game fishes, and this should be mounted as artistically as possible, with specially 
designed backgrounds and surroundings. Such an exhibit could be made very 
attractive without being in the least garish. These various series should be 
kept by themselves. The object of the systematic part of the exhibit is to 
display as plainly as possible the orders and higher groups of the class of fishes, 
and these distinctions should be made as clear as possible for the sake of the 
general visitor, for whose benefit the exhibition part of a museum is provided. 
The number of specimens, also, should be carefully kept down in order not 
to tire the visitor and confuse him with a multiplicity of forms; but there 
should be no hesitancy in using several specimens of the same fish if needed to 
illustrate more than one fact." It may even be questioned if such repetition 
may not be advisable in order to drive home and clinch the fact that a common 
species is none the less a typical one and that mere rarity does not in itself mean 
anything. 

The questions of whose classification to adopt and how it may best be 
illustrated are not eas}^ to answer, because no two systematists are agreed as to 
the relative importance and exact position of certain groups. In the outline 
here presented the classification employed by Doctor Jordan in his Guide to 
the Study of Fishes has been followed, partly as a matter of convenience and 
partly on account of the amount of information contained in the book. Practi- 
cal difficulties in the way of displaying any group of animals are met with in the 
limitations and disposition of space available for such exhibits. In many ways 
it seems best to indicate the divisions adopted and arrangement followed on a 
large label, number the orders, and repeat these numbers on the labels. 

One of the physical difficulties encountered in arranging exhibits is that 
animals of very different sizes may be zoologically related,* rendering it difficult 
to place the specimens at once in their proper order and to permit the smaller 
specimens to be seen. To preserve a balance by exhibiting small examples of 
such species as reach a large size is to give a wrong impression to the beholder, 

a Burt Wilder notes this in his "Educational Museums of Vertebrates," showing how the same 
species may be used for several purposes. 

b Such an instance among mammals is the relationship of rhinoceros, hyra.x, and elephant. 



1346 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 

and it is a difficult matter to correct by information on a label the effect pro- 
duced by the specimens themselves. By adopting the method suggested of 
numbering the orders or families in accordance with a given scheme of classifi- 
cation the smaller animals may be placed where they may be readily seen. 

If small examples of fishes that reach a large size are undesirable because 
they give a wrong impression to the beholder, unusually large individuals are to 
be ruled out for the same reason — that they give an exaggerated and incorrect idea 
of the species illustrated. Such specimens may, however, be shown by them- 
selves or where they will have a decorative value, the fact that they are of 
exceptional size being plainly noted on the label. 

It is to be constantly borne in mind that exhibits are for the public; that 
the average visitor is not given to studying exhibits; and that every effort 
should be made to have the objects shown illustrate and press home the meaning 
of the ideas they are intended to convey. Such being the case, the specimens 
chosen for display should be typical of the group or fact they are intended to 
illustrate. Rare or unfamiliar species should be eschewed so far as possible, 
for their very rarity is a drawback and militates against their teaching power. 

No provision has been made in this plan for exhibiting fishery products, 
or methods of capturing fish, though much information in regard to such matters 
might be noted on the labels. There is a temptation to extend in these directions, 
but such exhibits should properly be kept apart, if for no other reason than the 
large amount of room demanded and the difficulty of telling just where to stop. 
Technological and commercial exhibits are capable of almost indefinite extension, 
and to deal with the subject of fisheries alone calls for a large museum. 

No hard and fast line can be drawn as to the character of the material 
used for display; alcoholic specimens, casts, mounted fishes, plates, all have 
their uses and in some one particular each has its superiority to the others. As 
a rule the writer believes thoroughly good casts of fishes to be superior to other 
preparations for exhibition purposes, and this is particularly true of large or 
smooth-skinned species. For small species alcoholics, mounted in flat jars, 
are to be preferred, and wherever enlarged models are shown they should, if 
possible, be accompanied by alcoholics. The public always likes to see "the 
real thing" and know on what foundation a restoration or an enlargement is 
constructed. The preferable mode of arrangement is believed to be the alcove 
system with cases 9 feet high on three sides and a table or other low case in the 
center. An ideal method would be to have the systematic series on one side 
of a broad aisle, and the supplementary or special series on the other with any 
groups of fishes in a dark corridor close by, but the arrangement must of neces- 
sity conform to the limitations placed upon it by the plan of the building in 
which it is displayed. 



AN EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT OF FISHES. 1347 

It is believed that such an exhibit as that outUned in this paper is quite 
within the reach of a museum, even of moderate size. Naturally it could not 
be brought together all at once, but it might be assembled gradually, taking for 
immediate display such species as were available and waiting for the others to 
be acquired. Where vacancies occurred, due to the lack of species needed for 
the representation of important groups, this might be noted on a label, or in 
many instances a figure of the fish might be shown. This would call attention 
to the needs of the collection and might lead to securing desirable specimens. 

The systematic series calls for about 175 specimens, including fossils, 44 
skeletons and other anatomical pieces, and 13 figures in cases where species are 
rare or small; a total of 230 specimens. This may seem a small number to 
represent a group containing over 13,000 living species, but it would be an easy 
matter to add systematically to such a collection, while, on the other hand, it 
is believed to present a fairly good idea of the extent and principal modifications 
of the group. 

SYNOPSIS OF ARRANGEMENT AND LIST OF PRINCIPAL SPECIMENS TO BE SHOWN. 

INTRODUCTORY DISPLAY. 

Fishes and fish-like vertebrates, showing the forms popularly known as 
fishes — the lancelet, lamprey, ostracophore, and dogfish, and the. bass or other 
acanthopterygian. To be accompanied by skeletons and figures to make clear 
the meaning of such terms as Acrania, Craniota, and Gnathostomata. 

THE CLASSES ELASMOBRANCHII AND TELEOSTOMI COMPARED AND CONTRASTED. 

Skull of shark showing that the cranium is a mass of calcified cartilage and 
not composed of separate bones, and showing the manner in which the jaw is 
connected with the cranium. Specimen showing the separate gill openings. 

Skull of bony fish, cast or specimen showing single gill opening and flap. 

ANATOMY OF FISHES. 

Cast showing the external topography of a fish with the name of the prin- 
cipal parts or regions. 

Skeleton; dermal bones to be removed from one side of the skull. 

Cranium of fish compared with that of mammal, the corresponding bones 
similarly colored. To illustrate great differences between the two groups. 

Model showing the general anatomy of a teleost fish. 

Dissections, accompanied by models, showing nervous and circulatory 
systems. 

Specimens and models showing the development of a fish. 



1348 



BULI.ETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



SYSTEMATIC SERIES OF FISHES. 

Comprising characteristic examples of the various orders and suborders 
of the classes popularly known as fishes, and including specimens showing the 
more important or apparent characters of these groups. To consist of alcoholic 
and mounted fishes, casts, and anatomical specimens. 

A detailed list is subjoined. 

SPECIAL OR SUPPLEMENTARY EXHIBITS. 

Fishes of tropical waters, showing their brilliant coloring. To be shown 
in a group. 

Fishes of temperate seas. 

Deep-sea fishes, showing their modifications for life at great depths. 

Fishes of shallow waters, illustrating modifications in form and color for 
concealment. To be shown in one or several groups. 

Electrical fishes. 

Phosphorescent fishes. 

Exhibit of game fishes. 

Small groups, illustrating nesting habits of such fishes as Amia, sunfish, 
stickleback, chub, etc. Rarer examples may be added where obtainable. 



DETAILED LIST OF FISHES FOR EXHIBIT. 



Class ELASMOBRANCHII. 

Order PlEuropterygii. Extinct. 

Cladosclachc, model. 
Order AcanThodii. Extinct. 

Acanthodes, figure. 

Diplacanthus, figure. 
Order Ichthvotomi. Extinct. 

Pleuracanthus, figure. 

Pleuracanthus, teeth and spines. 
Order Notidani. 

Notidanus, cast. 

Notidanus, jaw or teeth. 
Order Asterospondyli. 

Section of vertebra showing structure. 

Lamna, cast and teeth. 

Carcluirodon, cast and jaws or teeth. 

Carcharodon, teeth of extinct C. megalo- 
don. 

Cestracion philippi, cast or mounted speci- 
men: skeleton, or at least teeth. 



Class ELASMOBRANCHII— Continued. 
Order Tectospondyu. 

Section of vertebra showing structure. 

Squalus. 

Pristiopliorus. 

Squatina. 

Rhinobatus. ITo be shown mainly by 

Raja. casts. 

Torpedo. 

Myliobatis. 

Pristis. 

This number of specimens is desirable 

to show the transition from sharks to rays. 
Order HouocEphau. 

Cliima^ra. 

ChimrtEO, skeleton. 
Class OSTRACOPHORI. 
Order Heterostraci. 

Lanarkia, casts and figures. 

Pteraspis. 



AN EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT OF FISHES. 



1349 



Class OSTRACOPHORI— Continued. 
Order Osteostraci. 

Ccphalaspis, specimens, or casts, and 
models. 
Order Antiarchi. 

Pterichthys, specimens, or casts, and 
models. 

Boihriolepis . 
Order Anaspida. 

Birkcnia, casts and drawings. 
Order Arthrodira. 

Coccostcus, cast and model. 

Dinichihys (if possible). 
Class TELEOSTOMI, true-mouthed fishes. 
Subclass CROSSOPTERYGII. 
Order Hapustia. Extinct. 

Tarassius, figure. 
Order Rhipidistia. Extinct. 

Holopiychius, cast. 

Gyroptychius, figure. 
Order Actinistia. Extinct. 

Undina, good figure. 
Order Cladistia. 

Polyptcrus, and skeleton, large figure or 
model of fin. 
Subclass DIPXEUSTA. 
Order Dipnoi. 

Ncoccralodus land skeleton of one spe- 

Lepidosiren J cies. 
Subclass ACTINOPTERI. 
Order LvsopTERi. Extinct. 

Catoptcrus rcdficldius, specimens. 
Order Chondrostei, sturgeons. 

Acipenscr, and small skeleton. 

Sea phirhynchus . 
Order Selachostomi. 

Polyodon, and skeleton. 
Order Pycnodonti. Extinct. 

Gyrodus, cast and figure. 
Order Lepisostei. 

Lepisosleus, vertebrae to show the pro- 
coelous type. 

Lepisostcits, and skeleton. 
Order Halecomorpiii. 

Amia, and skeleton. 



Class TELEOSTOMI, true-mouthed fishes— Con. 
Subclass TELEOSTEI, true bony fishes. 
Order Isospondyu. 

Salmo; Diplomystus, fossil. 

Coregonus. 

Alosa. 

Tarpon. 

Albula. 

Osteoglossum. 

Slomias, Cliauliodus, deep-sea forms. 
Suborder Iniomi. 

Synodus, Ipnops, Diaphas, Myctophum — 
deep-sea forms. 
Order Apodes. 

Anguilla, skeleton or at least skull. 

Anguilla. 

Murtcna, skull. 

Gymnothorax. 

Leptocephalus, figures showing develop- 
ment of eel. 
Suborder Lyomeri. 

Gastrostomus, deep-sea forms. 

Saccopharynx. 
Order Heteromi. 

Notacanthus. 
Series OSTARIOPHYSI. 
Order Heterognathi. 

Serrasalmo, the caribe. 
Order Eventognathi. 

Cyprinus, and skeleton. 

Notropis, or similar form. 

Semotilus. 

Abramis. 

Good large examples of pharyngeal teeth. 

Catostomus as typically American). 

Icliobics. 
Order Nematognathi. 

Arius, spine of large species. 

Ictalurus, and skeleton. 

Ameiurus. 

Malapterurus. 

Schilbeodes. 

Clarias. 

Loricaria. 

Callichthys. 

Gymnolus. 



I350 



BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



Class TELEOSTOMI, true-mouthed fishes— Con. 
Series OSTARIOPHYSI— Continued. 

Order Scyphophori, African "elephant-fish." 

.Mormyrus. 

Gymnarchus. 
Order Haplomi. 

Esox, and skeleton. 

Umbra. 

Anableps. 

Fundulus. 

Gambusia. 

Amblyopsis. 
Order Xenomi. 

Dallia. 
Order Ac.^nthopterygii. 
Suborder Synentognathi. 

Bclonc. 

Exoccetus, and skeleton. 

Hemirhamphus. 
Suborder Percesoces. 

Atherina 

Mullus 

Mugil. 

Sphyrcena. 

Polynemus or Polydaclylus, shoulder 
girdle to show structure. 
Order Phthinobranchii. 

Fistularia, skeleton. 

Gasterosteus, shoulder girdle and enlarged 
drawing. 

Syngnathus. 

Hippocampus. 

Pegasus. 
Suborder Salmoperces. 

Percopsis. 

Lampris if possible). 

Scmioplwrus or even cast). 

Zeus jaber, and skeleton. 
Order Berycoidii. 

Beryx, cranium showing orbitosphenoid. 

Holocentrus. 

Monocentris. 
Order Percomorphi. 

Scomber. 

Trichiurus. 

Xiphias. 

Carangus, and skeleton. 

Corypha;na. 

Gastronemus, fossil. 
Suborder Percomorphi. 

.\ phredodcrus . 

Roccus, skeleton. 



Class TELEOSTOMI, true-mouthed fishes — Con. 
Series OSTARIOPHYSI— Continued. 
Order Percomorphi — Continued. 
Suborder Percomorphi — Continued. 

Eupomotis. 

Micropterus. 

Perca. 

Stizostedion. 

Etheostoma. 

.Asineops, fossil. 

Promicrops. 

Epincphelus. 

Priacanthus. 

Lutianus. 

Hce^nulon . 

Upeneus. 

Cynoscion. 

Chiasmodon. 

Lopholaiilus. 
Suborder Labyrinthinci. 

Anabas scandens, if possible in climbing 
attitude. 
Suborder Holconoti. 

Cynmtogaster, with young 
. Hypsurus. 

Embiotoca. 
Suborder Chromides. 

Heros. 

Prisciicara, fossil. 

Pomacenlrus. 
Suborder Pharyncognathi. 

Tautoga, skull showing enlarged pharyn- 
geals. 

Ctenolahrus, cunner. 

Scarus, skull with pharyngeals, or allied 
form. 

Pseudoscarus. 

Sparisoma. 
Order Squamipinnes. 

Chaiodipterus, skeleton. 

ChiPlodon. 

Holacanthus. \ 

.icanthiirus or Teuthis. 
Order PlECTOGnathi. 

Batistes, skeleton. 

Batistes. 

Monacanllius. 

Lactoplirys. 

Lactophrys, skeleton. 

Lagoccptiatus. 

Sphceroides. 

Diodon. 

Mola 



AN EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT OF FISHES. 



135I 



Class TELEOSTOMI, true-mouthed fishes— Con. 
Series OSTARIOPHYSI— Continued. 
Order ParEioputaE. 

Sebasies or Sebastodes, skeleton or skull. 

Sebastes. 

Scorptena. 

Synanccia. 

Trigla. 

Cottus. 

Cottus, skeleton. 

Cyclopterus. 

Cephalacanthus. 
Suborder Gobioidei. 

Cobius, specimen showing the ventrals 
joined to form a sucking disk. 

Pcriopthalmus on tree. 

Typhlogobius (if possible). 
Suborder Discocephali. 

Echeneis. 

Echeneis, skeleton showing modified fin 
one showing top of head. 

Elacate. 
Suborder T.«niosomi. 

Regali'.cus. 

Trachypterus. 
Order Heterosomata. 

Skeleton of good-sized specimen. 

Platophrys. 

Lophopsetta. 

Hippoglossus. 



Class TELEOSTOMI, true-mouthed fishes— Con. 
Series OSTARIOPHYSI—Continued. 
Order Heterosomata — Continued. 

Paralichihys. 

Solea. 

Symphurtis. 
Suborder Jugulares. 

Vranoscopus or Aslroscopus. 

Blennius. 

Anarichas, skull. 

.4 narichas. 

Zoarces. 

Brotula. 

Opsanus iau. 
Order Opisthomi. 
Order Anacanthini. 

Gadus. 

Gadiis, skeleton. 

Lola as a fresh-water form). 

Coelorhynchus, grenadier. 

Alhatrossia or Steindachncrella, deep-sea 
form. 
Order Pedicil.\ti. 

Lophius. 

Lophius, skeleton. 

Cryptosaras, deep sea. 

Ceratias, deep sea. 

Anlcnnarius. 

Ogcocephalus, Malthe. 



K' 



